Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent option for budget-conscious individuals seeking top-notch quality. With its distinctive poppy and clacky sound, along with smoothness that stands out, this switch is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, providing a semi-silent experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', this switch offers a silky smooth typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making polycarbonate a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their nylon bottom housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound qualities to the V3 Cream Black Pro.
In terms of construction, the V3 Cream Black Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also benefits from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their overall sound characteristics and typing experience.
Overall, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, their nylon bottom housings provide distinct qualities that affect the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the V3 Cream Black Pro or a fuller sound with the Semi-Silent Linear, both switches offer a combination of materials that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Black Pro is 65 grams, which is heavier than the bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly lighter typing experience when initially pressing a key, but requires a bit more force to fully depress the key compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of overall force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter initial press or a slightly heavier bottom out for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feeling. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct and vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued sound, creating a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also falls under the neutral category, making it a versatile option suitable for various preferences and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is renowned for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering smooth and buttery keypresses with a lively rebound sensation. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and polished, providing a responsive and refined typing feel. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild and snappy, offering a gentle typing experience with a responsive touch. Similar to the V3 Cream Black Pro, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as buttery and polished, ensuring a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation for users.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a high-pitched and vibrant sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued and neutral sound paired with a mild and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both options cater to different typing styles and preferences. However, rest assured that regardless of which option you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are a fan of a high-pitched sound profile, a creamy and bouncy typing experience, and medium-heavy bottom out force, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued and neutral sound profile, a mild and snappy typing sensation, and a slightly lighter bottom out force, then the Semi-Silent Linear could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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